STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Rep. Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) yesterday called upon his Republican opponents - Michael Grimm and Michael Allegretti - to back a 9/11 health-care bill that will be voted on by the House today.

"This is a common-sense bill with real life implications for our heroes and heroines who need it most," said McMahon.

Both Republicans said they back the legislation, but Grimm accused McMahon of "playing politics" with the issue.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act looks to aid ailing World Trade Center responders exposed to toxins at Ground Zero by providing them with medical monitoring and treatment.

It also provides compensation for those who suffered economic loss by reopening the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund.

The bill was introduced by McMahon and New York Reps. Carolyn Maloney, Jerry Nadler, who are Democrats, and Republican Peter King.

McMahon said even though the bill complies with Congress' PAY-Go rules by closing a loophole for foreign companies doing business in the U.S., some House Republicans have threatened to stall the bill by employing procedural tactics.

Said McMahon, "There is no room for political posturing on an issue that transcends the divisiveness of election year campaigning. Mr. Allegretti and Mr. Grimm must do what's right and immediately urge GOP House leaders to vote in favor of this measure."

Grimm said that "instead of trying to score political points," McMahon should be working to improve the bill by including help to first responders who develop cancer "as a result of their sacrifice on that terrible day."

Said Grimm, "As someone who was a first responder to the hideous act of terrorism on 9/11, I know that we don't need Mike McMahon playing politics with this important issue."

Allegretti said that while there may be concerns about the bill's funding, "this is not the bill to scrutinize or nitpick, there are plenty of ways to save taxpayer money."

Allegretti said those who say that this bill simply benefits New York City "are dead wrong."

"It was America that was attacked on 9/11, not just our city," he said. "We just bear the burden of it."

Grimm and Allegretti are facing off in a Sept. 14 primary for the GOP nod to take on McMahon.